It is a widely held belief among many that jointly caring for a pet post-separation is a terrible idea. Experts frequently claim such setups impede ex-partners from healing, create logistical nightmares, spark arguments, and are a nuisance across the board. Apparently, and in a twist fit for a direct-to-platform film, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
While respecting the emotional well-being of animals – pet parents speak of their deep emotional capacity. To witness a prime example in dog sorrow, consider a past film. It seems certain that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog brought to life by Gus the Dog, would find it difficult adapting to life in two homes. Whether this premise a full holiday film on this conflict is sustainable seems debatable at best.A Familiar Formula
To its credit, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by playwright Jessica Swale, makes no grand claims deeper than its premise. This is a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the ambitions are modest. The plot proves to be uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their individual funk is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. There, inevitably, they will undoubtedly rediscover the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – including Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as eccentric, underutilized, or over-the-top. The film's look is reminiscent of a branded content, with a holiday backdrop that is visibly contrived – as seen in fake snow surrounding green trees as North Carolina stands in for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients coalesce into an entertaining watch rests upon the strength of the performances and the viewer's appetite for cinematic comfort food. For the comfort factor, Merv hones in on a demographic – those people who browse regularly for dog videos. It provides a wealth of canine-centric sequences. The main attraction is the dog, and even if it causes some clunky cuts between the pet's "lines" and human reaction, the movie delivers on walking sequences, canine sorrow, and, ultimately, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Human Element
Such effectiveness does not extend for the interpersonal drama. Its style wavers between relationship drama, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, never fully committing to a single genre. No blame falls on the actor playing Russ, who is admirably committed the humiliating and funny inherent in the unusual premise. Cox exhibits a endearing lack of ego that supplies the bulk of the chemistry for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, as is her trademark, imparts a distinctive offbeat energy that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna can feel a touch too detached, particularly when alongside Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (For what it's worth, the canine performer is convincing at looking despondent – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The story strives to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for sequences focusing solely on them – which is unfortunate, since Merv is easily the best part of this feel-good picture. Expectedly, it just about gets by. The reason for their separation might seem more grounded and mature with less exposition and less blunt explanation. Ultimately, Merv is gentle and pleasant, hitting precisely what you anticipate. Making a film on this shared-custody premise is not terrible – even if it's not exactly a brilliant concept.
- Merv streams on Amazon Prime Video on December 10th.
